Fiber distributing system



June 20,1967 R, A TEN ETAL 3,326,609

FIBER DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM Filed Aug. 27, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS. CHARLES R. AUTEN HOWARD H. LANGDON June 20, 1967 c. R. AUTEN ETAL 3,326,609

FIBER DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM Filed Aug. 27, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ti W J O-N I mama] iIZZ iIZO I L26 3 C W |O2u :22 iIZO H lO2' ai122 iIZO 2 '08 K II |o2 Ho 0-| a z i i i I 'L/IOZ 2 INVENTORS. CHARLES R.AUTEN HOWARD H. LANGDON June 1967 c. R. AUTEN ETAL 3,326,609

FIBER DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 27, 1965 mmm mmm

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INVENTORS. CHARLES R. AUTEN M HOWARD H. LANGDON ATTORNEY June 1967 c. R. AUTEN ETAL 3,326,609

FIBER DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM Filed Aug. 27, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ml F 2 O O 2 6 9 9 7 u 2 w I. F i l -fi H H -j -j H -1 u l O. 3 3 6\ 2 2 \Q/ v w 0 2 2 5 4 E 2 ml H CHARLES R. AUTEN BY HOWARD H.LANGDON ATTORNEY/ 7 United States Patent O 3,326,609 FIBER DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM Charles R. Auten, Charlotte, N.C., and Howard H. Langdon, Fairport, N.Y., assignors to Curlator Corporation, East Rochester, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Aug. 27, 1965, Ser. No. 483,281 5 Claims. (Cl. 302-28) The present invention relates to feeding mechanism for textile machines, and more particularly to a mechanism for conveying and distributing textile fibers to a series of carding or similar textile processing machines.

Present systems for supplying and distributing fibers to a line of carding or similar textile machines employ a fiber distribution system through which fibers are introduced into a duct and conveyed by air to the series of machines. There are by-pass ducts leading from the main duct to each of the machines to be fed. In each by-pass duct there is a damper which controls the feed of the fibers from the main duct to the individual machine. With this construction, however, if there is a demand for fibers at one of the machines down the line, the feed to the demanding station is slow if the main duct is simultaneously endeavoring to feed prior machines in the line at the same time it is attempting to supply the demanding machine. Moreover, with such a system internal duct frictional losses limit the overall length of the distribution duct unless large fans are incorporated in the system.

One object of the present invention is to provide an improved system for supplying and distributing fibers to a plurality of carding machines in which the accumulated distribution line losses occurring in conventional systems are eliminated and more rapid passage of the fiber into the demanding station is achieved.

Another object of the invention is to increase the overall distribution line efficiency of a fiber feeding and supply system for a plurality of machines over that achieved with conventional systems.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feed and distribution system of the character described which will permit use of smaller ducts, fans, etc. for supplying a given number of machines as compared with conventional feed systems.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fiber feeding and distribution system which will permit longer duct runs so as to service an additional number of machines as compared with those which can be served by a conventional system having a fan of equal capacity.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent hereinafter from the specification and from the recital of the appended claims particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Several different embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. In one, a longitudinal duct is positioned over a series of cards, each of which is combined With a fiber feeding device. Each feeding device receives its supply from a condenser which is introduced into a bypass that connects the condenser with the longitudinal duct. Between each condenser and fiber feeding device there is a fiber reserve box which is adapted to hold a supply of the fibers or fibrous material that is delivered into the reserve box fromthe condenser. A signal system connected with each reserve box controls the withdrawal of fiber from the main distribution duct into the by-pass through control of the position of a twoway damper. One arm of this damper is in the main distribution duct and a second is in the by-pass duct. The dampers associated with all of the feeding devices are normally in positions where the arms thereof that are in the bypass ducts are closed so that all fiber will flow through the main distribution duct, and none will enter the by-passes. When a signal from a reserve box is given calling for fiber, however, the position of the two-Way valve or damper associated with that box is reversed so that the portion of the damper in the main duct is closed and the portion of the damper in the by-ipass duct is opened. Air and fiber will then pass from the main duct through the by-pass duct where the fiber is deposited on the condenser and discharged into the reserve box. The air, now free of fiber, passes directly through the condenser and back into the main distribution duct. When the reserve box is full, the signal is automatically given to the two-way valve or damper to return to its normal position so that the fiber and air no longer pass into the by-pass but continue down the main distribution duct to the next unit which demands fiber.

In normal operation of the card feed line it is to be expected that the reserve boxes for all units in operation, whether one unit or eight or more units, will be filled at one time, so that feed-out of fiber from the main distribution duct will be discontinued until one or more reserve boxes again calls for fiber. During the filling operation the last reserve box to receive fiber is required to clear the main distribution line along with its by-pass duct of fibers. This last reserve box, that is required to clear the feed lines, may be the first unit nearest the source of supply, or the last unit, or any reserve box in between. To accomplish this function the high level con trol switch for each reserve box is equipped with an adjustable signal delay that assures fiber clean-out of the main distribution duct and of the by-pass duct to that last reserve box before shut-off of supply to the main duct.

In another embodiment of the invention, the main distribution duct has a feed and a return reach. The feed section of the line is connected by by-pass duets with the several condensers associated, respectively, with the several feed mechanisms for the several cards. The exhausts from the condensers are all connected by exhaust ducts to the return reach of the main duct; and the only dampers are in the exhaust ducts that lead to the return reach of the main duct. Ordinarily, these dampers are open so that air and fibers flow freely from the supply reach of the main duct to all the condensers. Fibers are deposited on these while the air is exhausted to the return reach of the main duct. The fibers are stripped from the respective condensers and deposited in the respective associated reserve boxes. When a reserve box is filled with fiber a signal is generated to close the damper in the associated exhaust duct with the result that the air and fibers cease to flow from the main duct to the associated condenser. Hence if the feeder associated with one card demands fiber, and the other feeders are full, the whole supply of fibers will flow from the main duct to the demanding feeder.

In this latter illustrated embodiment of the invention, the return reach of the main duct is connected to a condenser which supplies the opener that is connected to the line of cards so that any fibers carried in the return reach are delivered to the opener to be recirculated again to the main duct.

These embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation, partly broken away illustrating one embodiment of the invention and showing a line of cards, the feeders therefor, the longitudinal distribution duct, and the by-passes therefrom which supply the several feeding devices;

FIG. 2 is a view on a somewhat enlarged scale showing fragmentarily a portion of the main duct, two by passes, and the feeding stations and cards associated therewith;

FIG. 3 is a view on a still further enlarge-d scale showing fragmentarily the main distribution duct, one of the by-passes, the valve or damper controlling the connection between the main distribution duct and the by-pass, and the means for operating this valve or damper;

FIG. 4 is an electrical diagram illustrating one way in which the apparatus may be wired to accomplish its purpose;

FIG. 5 is an electrical diagram showing a different way of wiring the apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation, similar to FIG. 1, partly broken away and showing another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a section on a somewhat enlarged scale showing how the supply reach of the main duct is connected in this embodiment to the condenser for one of the card feeders;

FIG. 8 is a view partly broken away taken at right angles to FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary section of one of the feeders; and

FIG. 10 is an electrical diagram illustrating how the last shown embodiment of the invention may be wired to accomplish its purpose.

Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference, and first to FIGS. 1 to 3 inclusive, 10 denotes the different units to which the supply of fibers is to be fed. In each unit there is a conventional carding machine 11 and a feeding device 12. 14 is the main distribution line. This is a duct which extends over the tops of all of the units 10 and which is fed with fibers from any suitable source as, for instance, a conventional opener 15.

At each feeding station a by-pass duct 16 leads from the main duct 14 to a housing 18 within which there is journaled a rotary screen or condenser 20. This screen or condenser may be of conventional construction and such as shown, for instance, in the Langdon et al. US. Patent No. 2,890,497, granted June 16, 1959, and having a duct disposed diametrally within it through which fiberbearing air is sucked so that the fibers are deposited on the condenser. Each condenser is adapted to be independently driven by its own motor. Each is sealingly connected to its housing 18 by seals 21 and 22, which engage the periphery of the condenser and insure that the air passes through the condenser and that the fibers do not by-pass it. Mounted in a housing 24 attached to each housing 18 and a portion of which extends into the associated housing 18, is a rotary dolfer 26, which has vanes 28 that, in the rotation of the doffer, dolf off of the condenser the mat of fibers deposited thereon. The doifer is driven from the same motor as the condenser through a suitable drive (not shown).

Each dotfer delivers the fibers, which it strips from the associated condenser, into a reserve box 30 which is open at 32 to atmosphere, and which has a limit switch 94 mounted therein to gauge and control the upper level of fibers in the reserve box. The reserve box delivers the fibers into a chute 36 from whence it is fed by a controlled drop into a feeder 12. It includes an oscillating gage 38, which is pivotally mounted in the side walls of the feeder section, and which is actuated by the amount of stock present in the feeder at any given time, an endless creeping delivery apron 40, which introduces the stock to an endless elevating apron 42, and an endless stripper apron 44. The elevating apron 42 has slats and pins on it; and so has the stripper apron 44.

The small tufts of fibers remaining on the pins of the elevating apron 42, after the excess is removed by the stripper apron 44, pass over the top of the apron 42 into the region of an air bridge 50, whence they are carried between a rotary condenser 52 and rollers 54 by the suction exerted through the condenser by a fan, not shown, and by the rotation of the condenser itself. As the rollers 54 and condenser 52 revolve, they form the fibers into a mat and feed it forward under the roller 56 onto the feed plate 58, whence it is fed by the feed roll 60 to the lickerin 62. Thence, the fibers are picked up by the cylinder 64 of the card and carried under the card clothing 66, and then doffed by the rotating cylinder 68, and formed by conventional means into a sliver that is deposited in the can 70, all as described in detail in the Harvey and I ones application above mentioned.

The pressure of stock on the gate 38 in the feeder 12 tends to swing the gate to the left in FIG. 2; and when it is swung a predetermined distance to the left it trips a limit switch, similar to the limit switch 292 of FIG. 9. This limit switch controls through a solenoid, or other suitable electrically operated means, a clutch (not shown) which controls the drive to the feed rollers 46 in the reserve box 30. This clutch, when opened by such electrically operated means, stops feed of the stock from the reserve box 30 into the feeder 12 until the excess stock between the gate 38 and the apron 42 is reduced sulficiently to allow the gate to swing back by gravity toward its normal position shown.

At each of the stations there is a valve or damper pivotally mounted between the main air duct 14 and the associated by-pass 16. This valve, which is denoted at 75, has two vanes or arms 76 and 77 and is pivoted in the Y formed at the juncture of the main duct 14 and the bypass 16. Normally it is in the position shown in FIG. 3 with the vane or arm 77 closing the by-pass off from the main duct 14. The valve is operated by a solenoid-operated air cylinder 80 which has a piston 82 reciprocable therein. The piston actuates the piston rod 84 which is pivotally connected with an arm 88 which is secured to the shaft 90 on which the damper 75 is mounted.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 operates on the principle that a low level senser 92 opens the supply valve 75 and high level senser 94 closes this valve.

In other words, when the level of fibers in a reserve box 36 falls to the level of the senser 92 therein, the associated solenoid (FIG. 3) is energized to shift a pneumatic pilot valve (not shown), that controls the associated piston 82, to swing the double damper from the position shown in FIG. 3, and at the left in FIG. 2, to that shown at the right in FIG. 2, thus connecting duct 16 with duct 14 and stopping flow in main duct 16 beyond this damper. When the supply of fibers in the main box has built up to the level of senser 94 the solenoid 130 is deenergized to return the damper 75 to the position shown in FIG. 3, thus shutting olf feed of fibers to the associated reserve box.

Each reserve box is independent in its action. However, with this invention, in a line of cards, receiving fibers from a single supply duct, a demanding reserve box located in a prior position along the supply line withdraws the entire fiber flow from the supply line before any following reserve boxes receive any supply. When any damper 75 opens to the reserve box of a particular card, it closes the supply line at the same instant.

To illustrate: Assume that all reserve boxes are empty. Upon energizing the entire control circuit, the dampers 75 feeding each and every reserve box 36 would open simultaneously to those boxes, closing the downstream feed of the supply line. Obviously, the reserve box associated with the first carding unit 10 is then in position to receive the full flow of fiber and air from the main duct 14. The other units 10 in the line will at this time receive no fiber, but the air flowing through the condenser 20 of the first unit will return to the main air duct 14 through the associated duct 17, and will finally flow out of the line being drawn by the fan 96 (FIG. 1) which is driven by motor 98. The suction fan and motor must be designed to establish and hold the conveying air requirements as well as to overcome the successive branch linecondenser pressure losses.

The first reserve box fills quickly since the flow rate of fiber from the main duct should be equal to the total flow rate sufficient to feed all of the cards connected to the system plus an over-supply in flow rate. When the amount of fiber in the reserve box of a first unit reaches the high level senser 94 of that unit, the damper or valve 75 associated with this first unit closes ofi the corresponding by-pass 16 and allows the fiber to be carried on through the duct 14 to the next unit in the line. This next unit then receives the full supply of fiber from the main duct; and so on until all of the reserve boxes of all the units in the system are filled. The supply of fibers to the main line may then be closed oil as, for instance, by tripping a solenoid clutch that drives the motor in the opener 15 or other means supplying the main duct. This clutch remains open until one of the low level sensers 92 in one of the units 10 signals for fiber.

If desired the damper or valve 75 may be omitted from the last station in the line as shown in FIG. 1 in the case of the unit 12. Then air is drawn continuously through the condenser of this unit and any fibers remaining in the main duct when the air stream reaches this last station are deposited on this condenser.

With multiple card installations of say eight or ten cards feeding from a single pneumatic supply duct, the system of control shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 will supply the reserve boxes of the several units in a heterogeneous manner, since the output rate of the individual cards may vary due to adjusted flow rates of sliver weights differing from card to card or because individual cards are cut out for maintenance from time to time, and perhaps because of production schedules. Therefore, this system of heterogeneous demand and supply may require two, three, four, or even five cards to be filled at any instant when the low level sensers in these units have their respective dampers 75 open. Further, it is obvious that the reserve boxes associated with units 2, 3, and 4 must be supplied successively before the reserve box associated with the fifth unit can be filled. During this time the reserve box associated with the fifth unit must wait with its signal for fiber On until the three reserve boxes associated with the second, third and fourth units are filled. In order that the reserve box associated with the fifth unit does not starve and kick out there should be a built-in secondary reserve to withstand the prolonged interval while the fifth unit is waiting for supply.

Assurance of a continuing sufiicient supply to each reserve box can be obtained by increasing the outflow of fibers from the main line so that the outgoing supply may, say, be 150% of the total require by all eight cards. Such an oversupply will fill the respective reserve boxes fast enough so that the reserve below the low level senser in any one box will supply the needs of the unit associated therewith before that reserve runs out.

FIG. 4 shows one way in which the system may be wired to accomplish its purpose. L L and L denote the main electric lines. When the main line switch 100 is closed, these lines are connected through respective normally-open switches to the motor 102, which operates the opener, to the motor 98, which operates the fan 96 (FIG. 1) in the main supply line, to the motor 106, which drives the apron in the opener 15, and to the motors 108, 110, etc., 112, which operate the condense-rs 2t) and strippers 26 in the several reserve boxes, which remain continuously ,in operation or as long as the respective cards are on the line. Individual starter buttons 120 and individual stop buttons 122 are provided for the several motors. When the starter button 120 for a given motor is closed, the associated relay coil 102 in the low voltage system will be closed to close the associated normally open switches 102", thereby closing the circuits to the associated motors 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, etc. Switches 126 are simply conventional thermal overload switches for the respective motors.

If we assume that the reserve box for the first unit is empty, the low level senser 92 in the first unit activates the associated relay to move switch arm 92' of the relay to closed position and activate solenoid-operated clutch 106" to cause the motor 106 to drive the apron 17 in the opener 16 through a belt, chain or gear drive (not shown). Simultaneously the motor 102 will drive, through a belt, chain or gear drive (not shown), the toothed roll 21 to move fiber from the opener into the main line 14. The low level senser 92 will also close the circuit to the solenoid (FIG. 3) at the juncture of the first by-pass duct 16 and the main duct 14, thus opening the bypass valve 75 simultaneously with start of feed of the fibers into the main duct 14. With this by-pass valve 75 open to the by-pass duct 16, the main line is shut off so that the full flow of fiber and air is into the by-pass. The fiber is collected on the associated condenser 20 and is doffed by the associated rotating dofier 26 into the associated reserve box 30. The air passes through the associated condenser screen and is conducted through the return leg 17 of the by-pass and re-enters the main trunk line 14.

The fiber continues to flow into the reserve box of the first unit until it level reaches the high level senser 94. Then the two-position relay switch deenergizes associated clutch 106" and associated solenoid 130 to close off the by-pass and open the main trunk line 14 again.

In this connection it is to be noted that the circuit to the electrically-operated clutch between the motor 106 and the apron 17 is opened as the high level switch 94 of the unit activates its coil to close the associated switch 94', to establish the circuit to the solenoid 130 which shifts the piston 82.

There is fiber in transit in the trunk line 14 and further fiber in process following the stopping of the feed apron in the opener 15. Thus, an adjustable time delay relay (not shown) is inserted in the circuit to the high level switch so that there is sufficient delay before shifting of the pilot valve to permit the main trunk line to be cleaned of fiber.

The low level senser is deactivated until the high level senser is uncovered by fiber in the reserve box when the double throw switch of the high level senser returns to its normal position.

Feed out of the reserve box finally uncovers the low level senser 92. This, in turn, closes the circuit to the low level solenoid 131, and simultaneously the circuit to the clutchconnecting the motor 106 with the apron 17. Thus, the feed damper arm 77 opens, and the trunk line damper arm 76 closes, causing fiber to flow from the main line 14 to the reserve box until this supply is again shut oiI by operation of the high level switch 94.

In FIG. 4 only two sets of sensers 92, 94, clutches 106" and solenoids 130, 131 have been illustrated. It is to be understood, however, that there is one such set associated with each feeder-card unit.

The apparatus may be wired, however, as illustrated in FIG. 5. This circuit incorporates a conventional timer switch having multiple adjustable cams for varying the time of its operation. The rotating timer switch 142, 14 etc., is inserted in the valve and feed motor clutch circuits. It is driven by a motor 142 through a conventional interchangeable reduction gear (not shown) so that, for instance, the cam-operated switches 142', 14 of this timer can complete one cycle per minute more or less through the use of change gears between the motor and the switching units. The adjustable cams in the timer will determine the time on and otf for each feed cycle per reserve box. The fundamental difference between the circuit shown in FIG. 5 and that shown in FIG. 4 is that each reserve box has a definite dwell period in each feed cycle as determined by the timer.

By using a single senser, a high level senser 94, in each reserve box, the feed control functions to hold the reserve box at filled condition. The timer and the adjustable dwell period are set to the condition that the reserve box does not reach a questionable low level in respect to the fiber withdrawn by the associated card in the same period of time. Each reserve box is supplied at a fixed increment of time and in sequence to complete one timing cycle over all the reserve boxes. Should a card be out of service, the high level senser does not activate the feed function and the timer passes on to the next reserve box.

The high level switch 94 activates, through the associated switches 94, 94" the solenoid 130 and the clutch 106" between the motor 106 and the apron 17 only when the fiber is below the full level. Further, the feed valve 75 and apron drive clutch act simultaneously and continue the feed until the reserve box is at high level. Then the feed clutch solenoid 106" and the solenoid 130 are deactivated provided, of course, that the timed period is greater than the time required to fill the reserve box. The pilot valve operated by the solenoid 130 returns to neutral by spring force incorporated in the pilot valve control box attached to the air cylinder. This closes the by-pass and opens the main trunk line valve.

In this latter system where each reserve box is explored for fiber input in a definite time sequential manner, say each minute more or less, it appears evident that the over-supply of fiber in the trunk line 14 may be limited to between 110% and 120%; and the hazard of heterogeneous supply as for the first-described system of control is overcome. Furthermore, the additional installation of low level senser units in each reserve box is eliminated. In no case will the suction fan be burdened with drawing air through multiple condenser units when two, three, or four reserve boxes are calling for fiber in the heterogeneous manner.

A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6 to inclusive. Again 15 denotes the opener; and 13 is the duct through which unopened material is fed to the opener. 17 is the feed apron driven by a motor 106; and 21 is the delivery fan which moves opened material into the main trunk line duct 214.

This trunk line 214 is connected by separate but identical ducts 216 (FIG. 8) and manifolds 218 with a housing 220 in which the condenser 222 revolves. This housing is enclosed within a chute 224 that corresponds to the chutes 30. Mounted within the housing 220 is a rotary stripper 26 having blades 28 like those previously described.

Air is drawn through the rotating condenser screen 222 and passes out of one end of the screen through a duct 226, in which there is mounted a valve or damper 223 that is adapted to be rotated through an angle of 90 by an electric motor 230. When the damper or valve 228 is open, the air flows through the condenser screen 222 into the duct 226 and thence into a main return duct 232, which is really the upper return reach of the trunk line duct 214 and connected to trunk line duct 214 at 234. The upper branch 232 of the trunk line is connected by a tube 236, similar to tube 216, to a manifold 238, similar to manifold 218, which in turn is connected to a rotary condensing screen 242, similar to condenser 222, in the chute 244. The rotary stripper 246 strips any fibers collected on the screen 242 and delivers them to the opener 15. The air is exhausted from the end of the condenser 242 through the duct 248 which connects with the intake side of a fan 250 that is driven by the motor 252. The fan exhausts to atmosphere through exhaust duct 254. A conventional adjustable valve 255 may be provided in return duct 232 to control the rate of air fiow therein.

In operation, the opener delivers fiber to the card feed trunk line 214 in ratio to the demand as determined by the number of feeder demands on the trunk line.

When the apparatus is started up, the first card is put on the line by closing the circuit to the motors 252 and 260 after closing the main line switch 264. 266 and 268 denote the starter buttons for these motors. The stop buttons are denoted at 270. When button 266 is closed relay coil 260' is energized to close the motor starting switches 260", as in the previously described embodiments of the invention.

The motor 269 drives the condenser 242 of the opener 15 through a gear reducer, not shown. The drive to the apron 17 of the opener is through a step circuit; and closing the switch 272 provides AC current to a rectifier and control unit 274 for the variable speed motor 106 that drives the apron. Closing switch 276, provided that the high level senser switch 278 of the first card is closed, energizes starting relay 280', starting the motor 280 through its starting switches 260". This drives the condenser 222 of the first card feeder 12 and the stripper that cooperates with this condenser, and simultaneously energizes motor 230 to open the damper or air valve 228 in the line 226 that leads from one end of the condenser. This also energizes the coil 282 causing the first step in the feed rate and, as already stated, starting the motor 106 which drives the apron 17 in the opener 15. Fibers will therefore be delivered from the opener into the duct 214 to satisfy the feeder 12 for the first card. The adjustment of speed of the apron 17, that is, of the rate of feed of the fibers to the trunk line 214 is controlled by a variable resistor 284 in the circuit through the coil 282.

At this time the recirculated air is in effect short-circuited through the condenser 222 of the feeder associated with the first card through the duct 226 associated therewith. Since no valve except the valve 228 associated with this first condenser is open, virtually all of the air and fiber delivered by the feeder into the trunk line 214 will pass to the first card.

The variable by-pass valve 255 makes it possible to establish a working pressure differential between the outgoing section of the pneumatic conveying line 214 and the return line 232 which being under suction pressure establishes the condensing action at each reserve box. Further any excess fiber, that may be fed into the outgoing duct and not called for by the reserve box condensers, must be returned to the opener feeder. The valve 255 for this purpose must pass fibers in minor quantity and it may be automatically controlled to establish the required pressure drop.

Due to a small over-supply (regulated by the potentiometer 284) of fiber outgoing from the opener for card 1, the feeder hopper sensing lever 38 (FIGS. 2, 6 and 9) for this card will, when the hopper for the feeder 12 of this first card is full, move the lever 290, which is rigidly connected to it, upwardly to trip the limit switch 292 in this feeder, thereby stopping the apron 17 of the supply feeder 15 so that feed to the card feeder 12 ceases. An adjustable stop 294 limits the upward movement of the lever 290. The weights 296, which are suspended from the free end of the lever 290, tend constantly to urge this lever to the low level position shown in FIG. 9 against the resistance of fiber in the feeder. When the feeder hopper is full the lever trips the switch 292 and disconnects the circuit, and the apron motor stops. By means of an overtravel spring and lever furnished with the switch 292 the feeder hopper will empty slightly before the circuit to the coil 282 is closed again and the fiber supply restarts. The purpose of the switch 292 is to keep the feeder hopper full at all times within reasonable operational limits.

When the second card in the line is also put on the line, the valve or damper 228 associated with this card is also opened and the resistance 284' associated therewith is short-circuited, stepping up the feed of apron 17 of the opener to feed an adequate supply of fiber to the second card as well as to the No. 1 card. The same process is repeated when the remaining cards are placed in operation. The feed of apron 17 steps up when each card comes on the line and when any one or more cards drop out, because fiber demand is satisfied or for any other reason, the outfeed diminishes accordingly.

The several resistances of the stepping control circuit, which may be of conventional construction are denoted at 284, 284', 284", 284 etc. The several coils of this stepping circuit are denoted at 282, 282", 282 etc. 274 is the power supply for this circuit; and 288 is the input. 290, 292, etc. are the motors which drive the condensers for the successive feeder-card units. The several stop buttons or switches are all denoted at 270. 294 is the start button for the motor 292 for the condenser for the last I feeder-card unit in the line. The high level senser in this unit is designated 27 8.

It will be noted, as shown in FIG. 8, that at each card fiber is removed from the top of the outgoing trunk line 214 rather than from the bottom or side of this line. This assures that flowing fiber will not be withdrawn unless there is a substantial upflow of air to the branch 216 terminating at a card feeder 12. A bottom outlet in the trunk line, especially when not delivering to a card feeder, would interfere with the smooth flow of air and fiber tufts, the major portion of which move in the bottom half of the cross section of the trunk line. A side opening also has disadvantages to a lesser degree.

A specially shaped manifold may be inserted at the delivery box at each card feeder. When this is done the manifold narrows as it approaches the condenser to form a controlled weight of delivery mat on the condenser. In such case the rotational speed of the condenser determines the rate of supply of fiber to the associated feeder unit 12. The suction fan 250 in the return line 248 provides the energy to withdraw air and entrained fiber from the top side of the trunk line against the pull of gravity and the momentum forces acting to carry the air and fiber past the duct 216 that leads to the condenser unit. The fiber builds, up, then, in the widthwise trumpet-shaped wedge and, due to its resistance to flow of air therethrough, automatically reduces the demand for fiber from the trunkline until equilibrium is obtained. This is the well-known principle used in Patent No. 2,890,497, above mentioned. If this air bridge principle of feed is used, the actuator 230 would not be required in the system illus trated in FIG. 10. However, the stepping feature and return duct 232, described above are required.

While the invention has been described in connection with different embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification; and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth, and as fall within the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim is:

1. The combination with a plurality of machines for opera-ting on fibers, of means for supplying fibers to said machines comprising (a) a fiber reserve box associated with each machine for holding a supply of fibers for the machine,

(b) a movable foraminous condenser associated with each machine for collecting air-borne fiber thereon,

(c) a main trunk line, having a forward reach and a return reach,

(d) means causing a stream of air to flow through said trunk line,

(e) a conduit, having a feed section and a return section, associated with each machine for conducting air from the forward reach of said trunk line through the associated feed section to the associated condenser and back through the associated return section to the return reach of said trunk line whereby fibers which are carried by the air stream flowing in a respective conduit are deposited on the associated condenser,

(f) a stripper for stripping fibers deposited on a condenser from that condenser and delivering them to the associated reserve box,

(g) a damper in each conduit disposed downstream from the associated condenser, said damper being movable between a first position, in which it allows flow of air and fibers from said trunk line to the associated condenser to cause deposit of fibers on the condenser, and a second position, in which it stops such flow, and

(h) signaling means controlled by the amount of fibers in each reserve box for controlling the position of the respective damper.

2. The combination claimed in claim 1, wherein the feed section of each conduit is connected to the forward reach of the trunk line at the top thereof.

3. The combination with a plurality of machines for operating on fibers, of means for supplying fibers to said machines, comprising (a) a trunk line,

(b) a foraminous condenser associated with each machine,

(c) an individual conduit, having a feed section and a return section, connecting said trunk line with each condenser, each condenser being operative to collect fibers flowing in the associated conduit while allowing air to return through the conduit to the trunk line,

(d) means associated with each machine for holding fibers collected on its associated condenser,

(e) means for feeding fibers collected on each condenser to its associated machine,

(f) means causing fibers and air to flow into the feed section of a respective conduit when the amount of fibers in the associated holding means falls below a predetermined minimum, and

(g) means causing stoppage of flow of the air and fibers to a respective conduit when the amount of fibers in the associated holding means reaches a predetermined maximum.

4. The combination as claimed in claim 3 wherein the two last-named means of all the machines are connected so that the flow of air and fibers to the respective conduits of all succeeding machines in a line is stopped when the amount of fibers in a holding means of a preceding machine falls below said predetermined minimum.

5. The combination with a plurality of carding machines, of means for supplying fibers to said machines, comprising,

(a) a trunk line having a forward reach and a return reach,

(b) an opener for opening fibrous material to be supplied to such machines,

(c) means for feeding opened fibers from said opener to said trunk line,

(d) a foraminous condenser associated with each carding machine,

(e) a foraminous condenser associated with said opener, the terminal end of said return reach being connected to the foraminous condenser associated with said opener,

(f) means, including a fan, for creating an air stream in said trunk line to convey fiber therethrough,

(g) a conduit associated with each carding machine for conducting air from the forward reach of said trunk line to the associated condenser and back to the return reach of said trunk line whereby fibers which are carried by the air stream flowing in a respective conduit are deposited on the associated condenser,

(h) a damper in each conduit disposed downstream from the associated condenser for controlling flow of air through the respective conduit,

(i) a reserve box associated with each carding machine,

(j) means for stripping fibers from each condenser to deposit the fibers in the associated reserve boxes of the carding machines and in the associated opener, respectively,

(k) means for conducting :air through the condenser associated with the opener and to the return side of said fan,

(1) means for feeding fibers from ecah reserve box to the associated carding machine,

(m) signaling means in each reserve box for opening the damper in the associated conduit When the supply of fibers in the associated reserve box is below a predetermined minimum, thereby to cause flow of fibers to the associated condenser, and

(n) signaling means in each reserve box for closing the damper in the associated conduit when the sup ply of fibers in the asseociated reserve box exceeds a predetermined maximum, thereby to stop flow of fibers to the associated condenser.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,642,135 9/1927 Wilkinson et a1 30228 1,941,190 12/1933 Schneider 30228 3,029,477 4/1962 Wildbolz et al. 19105 3,099,492 7/ 1963 Mortimer 30228 FOREIGN PATENTS 413,219 7/ 1934 Great Britain. 973,662 10/ 1964 Great Britain.

ANDRES H. NIELSEN, Primary Examiner.

Notice of Adverse Decision in Interference In Interference No. 96,186 involving Patent No. 3,326,609, C. R. Auten and H. H. Langdon, Fiber distributing system, final judgment adverse to the patentees was rendered Dec. 30, 1968, as to claims 3 and 4.

[Ofiicz'al Gazette March 11, 1969.]

Disclaimer 3,326,609.0harles R. Aute'n, Charlotte, N.C., and Howard H. Langdon, Fairport, N.Y. FIBER DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM. Patent dated June 20, 1967. Disclaimer filed J an. 16, 1969, by the assignee, Ouflator 00rporatio'n. Hereby enters this disclaimer to claims 3 and 4 of said patent.

[Oyfioz'al Gazette May 27, 1969.] 

1. THE COMBINATION WITH A PLURALITY OF MACHINES FOR OPERATING ON FIBERS, OF MEANS FOR SUPPLYING FIBERS TO SAID MACHINES COMPRISING (A) A FIBER RESERVE BOX ASSOCIATED WITH EACH MACHINE FOR HOLDING A SUPPLY OF FIBERS FOR THE MACHINE, (B) A MOVABLE FORAMINOUS CONDENSER ASSOCIATED WITH EACH MACHINE FOR COLLECTING AIR-BORNE FIBER THEREON, (C) A MAIN TRUNK LINE, HAVING A FORWARD REACH AND A RETURN REACH, (D) MEANS CAUSING A STREAM OF AIR TO FLOW THROUGH SAID TRUNK LINE, (E) A CONDUIT, HAVING A FEED SECTION AND A RETURN SECTION, ASSOCIATED WITH EACH MACHINE FOR CONDUCTING AIR FROM THE FORWARD REACH OF SAID TRUNK LINE THROUGH THE ASSOCIATED FEED SECTION TO THE ASSOCIATED CONDENSER AND BACK THROUGH THE ASSOCIATED RETURN SECTION TO THE RETURN REACH OF SAID TRUNK LINE WHEREBY FIBERS WHICH ARE CARRIED BY THE AIR STREAM FLOWING IN A RESPECTIVE CONDUIT ARE DEPOSITED ON THE ASSOCIATED CONDENSER, (F) A STRIPPER FOR STRIPPING FIBERS DEPOSITED ON A CONDENSER FROM THAT CONDENSER AND DELIVERING THEM TO THE ASSOCIATED RESERVE BOX, (G) A DAMPER IN EACH CONDUIT DISPOSED DOWNSTREAM FROM THE ASSOCIATED CONDENSER, SAID DAMPER BEING MOVABLE BETWEEN A FIRST POSITION, IN WHICH IT ALLOWS FLOW OF AIR AND FIBERS FROM SAID TRUNK LINE TO THE ASSOCIATED CONDENSER TO CAUSE DEPOSIT OF FIBERS ON THE CONDENSER, AND A SECOND POSITION, IN WHICH IT STOPS SUCH FLOW, AND (H) SIGNALING MEANS CONTROLLED BY THE AMOUNT OF FIBERS IN EACH RESERVE BOX FOR CONTROLLING THE POSITION OF THE RESPECTIVE DAMPER. 